New Zealand AI tool launched to expose risks in building sector

A New Zealand entrepreneur has launched an artificial intelligence-based tool designed to help homeowners and businesses identify potential risks when dealing with builders and renovation companies.

Anubhav Verma, who experienced financial loss and disruption after dealing with a problematic builder, developed CheckMyBuilder as a solution to prevent others from facing similar issues. The tool, the first of its kind in New Zealand, offers plain-English risk reports for a fee of NZD $49.

CheckMyBuilder evaluates whether a builder or their companies are linked to insolvency, fraud, outstanding debts, or scams, drawing on a range of public sources such as court records, company registers, liquidation notices, and news archives. The technology streamlines fragmented data into a coherent summary that highlights potential red flags for consumers and legal professionals alike.

Verma stated, "So far, over 1,000 New Zealanders have already used CheckMyBuilder to check builders before signing contracts or releasing money. Even lawyers often miss these issues, because the data is hidden in PDFs and spread across multiple systems. The system won't protect you, so I built one that can."

AI on risk analysis

The core functionality of CheckMyBuilder involves scanning and interpreting publicly available, but difficult-to-access, data. Many records are buried in outdated registries, dense legal filings, or PDF libraries that are thousands of pages long. By using AI, the tool consolidates these data sources, identifying patterns such as company directors repeatedly opening and closing businesses or builders operating under multiple entities to obscure prior failings.

The resulting report gives a clear risk profile in a format suitable for non-specialists. Information that would require hours of legal research, and might still miss certain details, becomes accessible immediately, providing users with the ability to make timely, informed decisions about whether to proceed with, renegotiate, or abandon a contract.

Consumer and business use

Verma says the impact of CheckMyBuilder extends beyond financial loss. The risks associated with building or renovating a home can have significant emotional and psychological consequences, as he experienced first-hand.

"It's not just about the dollars. It's about preventing the heartbreak, the stress on families, and the life disruption that comes with being caught out. If this tool had existed four years ago, my story would be very different," Verma explains. 

The application is relevant not only for large new builds, but also any renovation company or registered limited company in New Zealand. Users have reportedly applied the tool to a range of businesses, from franchise operators to specialist trades.

Verma noted, "We've seen users check everything from franchise operators to small trade companies. Builders can liquidate subsidiaries and reopen under new names, but this tool uncovers those patterns."

Serving the trade sector

An enterprise version of the tool, called Checkbase, has been developed specifically for trade suppliers, banks, and companies that offer credit. This version is aimed at reducing the risk of bad debt, protecting supply chains, and providing early warnings of company instability.

For businesses that provide credit terms - including hardware stores and financial service providers - the Checkbase system can aid in avoiding bad debts and managing potential risks associated with their commercial partners.

Both CheckMyBuilder and Checkbase have reportedly generated over 1,000 reports to date, primarily through word of mouth, indicating demand for more accessible due diligence solutions in the sector.

Motivation behind the business

Verma emphasised that his motivation is based on community protection, rather than commercial profit.

"My success looks like saving people heartache, not making money. After four years of fighting back, I've seen how loopholes let shonky operators get away with too much. This is my way of leveling the playing field."

The project's stated vision is to increase transparency within the construction and renovation sector and to help families and businesses avoid the types of financial and emotional consequences that can result from entering into agreements with unstable or unscrupulous firms.